RESIDENTS in Great Harwood have been warned to be vigilant after a woman was tricked into leaving her house by a burglar.

Police said the incident could be linked to a similar incident last month.

A man climbed over the back gate of a house in Park Road, Great Harwood, and unbolted it.

After being spotted by the occupant he asked her for a bin bag, saying a dog had ransacked all the bins.

The woman went to the shed to get some bin bags and the man used a shovel to pick up rubbish outside.

He then put the shovel back in the kitchen while the woman put the rubbish in the shed.

The intruder went into the living room and stole four purses, worth a total of £25, from a handbag, and £60 in cash.

He was white, 5ft 6ins, aged between 40 and 50 with brown hair, a plain face and was medium to stocky build.

He was wearing a three quarter length blue jacket and dark trousers.

A similar incident took place in Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors, last month.

Sergeant Dave Reddin, of Great Harwood police, said: "We have had two or three incidents like this over the last few weeks.

"I would urge people not to be drawn out of the house by any sort of distraction, leaving it insecure."

Anyone with any information should call Great Harwood police on 01254 353334.